Abstract
Marching modulus phenomena are often observed in silica-reinforced solution styrene–butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber (S-SBR/BR) tire tread compounds. When such a situation happens, it is difficult to determine the optimum curing time, and as a consequence the physical properties of the rubber vulcanizates may vary. Previous studies have demonstrated that the curing behavior of silica compounds is related to the degree of silanization. For the present work, the effect of silanization temperature and time on the marching modulus of silica-filled rubber was evaluated. The correlations between these mixing parameters and their effect on the factors that have a strong relation with marching modulus intensity (MMI) were investigated: the amount of bound rubber, the filler flocculation rate (FFR), and the filler–polymer coupling rate (CR). The MMI was monitored by measuring the vulcanization rheograms using a rubber process analyzer (RPA) at small (approximately 7%) and large (approximately 42%) strain in order to discriminate the effects of filler–filler and filler–polymer interactions on the marching modulus of silica-filled rubber compounds. The results were interpreted via the correlation between these factors and their effect on the MMI. A higher temperature and a longer silanization time led to a better degree of silanization, in order of decreasing influence.
Highlights
Precipitated silica is widely used these days as reinforcing filler of tire tread compounds, sinceMichelin introduced the Green Tire technology in the 1990s [1]
Reuvekamp et al [11] reported that the mixing temperature and time is crucial in mixing silica and rubber with bis-(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide (TESPT) as coupling agent in order to achieve a proper degree of silanization
The results were interpreted in terms of the degrees of silanization reached, as well as the filler flocculation rate (FFR), filler–polymer coupling rate (CR), and the amount of bound rubber
Summary
Precipitated silica is widely used these days as reinforcing filler of tire tread compounds, since. Via the silane coupling agent, silica and rubber are able to chemically interact during mixing as well as in the vulcanization process. Reuvekamp et al [11] reported that the mixing temperature and time is crucial in mixing silica and rubber with bis-(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide (TESPT) as coupling agent in order to achieve a proper degree of silanization. Because the silanization reaction must take place during the mixing cycle(s), many studies have been carried out to find the optimum mixing conditions for silica compounds These studies are primarily focused on influences of mixer temperature settings, fill-factor, number of mixing stages, removal of ethanol generated during the silica-coupling agent reaction, etc. The results were interpreted in terms of the degrees of silanization reached, as well as the filler flocculation rate (FFR), filler–polymer coupling rate (CR), and the amount of bound rubber
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